Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Cottesbrook winery is in the place that winemakers call "the origin of the new Sauvignon Blanc"; Marlborough, New Zealand.



many thanks to Wikipedia!



     Sauvignon Blanc isn't native to New Zealand, but it is here, in this southern extremity, that we have found the purest expression. And it is in this wine that New Zealand, and especially Marlborough, came to find part of their identity.

     I can understand a little of what life in Marlborough must be like: the entire district only has a population of about 45,000 and that population is spread thin. A few towns, such as Havlock, and Ward (which sort of sound like names for New York cops, right?) sprout up between the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards which account for over 60% of all of the land in New Zealand growing grapes. I've lived small town life before. It has it's perks, and it has it's challenges, but there is a sense of comfort being able to walk down a street and know (at least by face) most of the people you see. Of course, that same sensation can be a little tiring somedays!

     And then there was Cottesbrook... the little winery that could.

     I'm a strong believer in environmental responsibility. As a chef, I do my utmost to source local, source seasonal, and ensure my suppliers are being minimalistic with their packaging. With gas at over $1.20/litre (that's $5/gallon for my American readers), I don't even have to ask anyone to be conscientious with their driving, right?

     And so the vineyards that produce Cottesbrook have joined with New Zealand's green-initiative which, to quote http://www.rossendale.co.nz/ says:

     "This involves adoption of "best practice" reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring accountability and traceabiity for the long term benefit of the soil, the surrounding environment and ultimately the consumer."

     Amen.

     If enough people were willing to do the work necessary, then our children may still be able to enjoy...

     As for myself, I can tell you now how much I enjoyed the wine.

2009 Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

12.5% ABV,    $14    **EXCELLENT VALUE**

http://tagliquorstores.com/fox-reach/

• visual:   clean; pale straw core with green and gold highlights, slight watery rim
• nose:   clean; moderate+ youthful aromas; gooseberry, clean grass, straw, slight melon and papaya, light minerality
• palate:   clean, dry, moderate+ (crisp apple and lime) acids, moderate ABV, moderate body, moderate+ intense youthful flavors mimicking the nose well; minerality comes in stronger, opens with minerality, pear and melon, develops into gooseberry, limes and apples. Very good balance, structure and moderate finish
• conclusion:   drinks far above its price. Drink now but will keep 2011-2013
• PAIRINGS:   the apple in this wine would love roast turkey... traditional turkey with bread stuffing and buttered brussel sprouts. Feel like fish? Try New Zealand's Orange Roughy with a kiwi and roast apple chutney and a sweet pea risotto!

     Marvellous deals to be found out there, if you're willing to look *(or let me look for you). You can find the Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc at Fox's Reach Liquor Store in Maple Ridge (and other fine spirit importers).

CINCIN~!!!     SLAINTE~!!!     CHEERS~!!!